Mountaineering and Rock Climbing

While our Mountaineering program in Oregon is still in its infancy, our climbing program has been around since the beginning of our ministry here. Boasting some of the most incredible climbing areas in the United States, we have access to walls suited to the very newest and also the most seasoned of climbers. Testing the limits of team and self, our climbing trips are where it’s at! The ancient cliffs of Horsethief Butte, the world-renowned glory of Smith Rock, and the epic vistas of Bulo Point are merely a couple of the areas we have just on our doorstep. There really are too many local areas to list. Ask us about your options!

Horsethief Butte




A playground of crags just across the river from The Dalles, OR, Horsethief Butte boasts historic Native American rock art, beautiful views, and some great climbing and rappelling. There’s also Horsethief Lake nearby that is the perfect cool-off after a hot summer day of climbing! This site also connects well with Deschutes River days for a multi-day experience, with camping options not too far from either site.

  • Age: 11+
  • Season: March – October
  • Length: Full-day and multi-day
  • Group Size: 8+
  • Cost: $70 per person

Smith Rock State Park




In the climbing community, Smith Rock State Park is well known and celebrated. With nearly 2,000 routes ranging from the very simplest to the incredibly intense, there is literally something for everyone. And it’s a stunningly beautiful natural area which also has options for hiking. Its location in Central Oregon also means it’s lucky enough to have more days of sunshine than we get on the West side of the mountain, making it more likely to have a rain-free day of climbing!

  • Age: 11+
  • Season: March – October
  • Length: Full-day and multi-day
  • Group Size: 8+
  • Cost: $70 per person

Bulo Point




Nestled in a green corner of the Mount Hood National Forest, Bulo Point used to be a well-kept secret. From the top of the crag you can see for 50 miles into the high desert areas of central Oregon, and with amazing routes, the secret is getting out. Come climb in the shade of the fir trees or stay for a couple of days in one of the local camps and explore.

  • Age: 11+
  • Season: March – October
  • Length: Full-day and multi-day
  • Group Size: 18+
  • Cost: $70 per person

Mountaineering




Mountaineering trips are extending wilderness adventures with the goal of summiting a technical peak. Since Youth Dynamics began in the shadow of the great peaks of the North Cascades, Mountaineering has been a major part of our ministry. Your mountaineering trip will be led by experienced and professional guides who have chosen a location suitable for the teams’ abilities and goals. We guarantee your experience will challenge and push your team to new heights. Oregon works with the staff of our Washington adventure base to facilitate these experiences for our groups

  • Age: 16+
  • Season: December – March
  • Length: Full-day
  • Group Size: varies
  • Cost: varies

How safe is rock climbing?




Most of the risk when climbing and rappelling is perceived risk. Redundancy is built into every climbing system and all gear used must meet industry standards and certifications. Our guides are trained by senior guides who are held to a higher level of experience and ability than what is required for the climbing type we engage in(Top Rope Climbing). Senior Guides typically have received outside certifications such as the American Mountain Guide Association or the Professional Climbing Guides Institute.

What if all my group does not want to climb?




Our program is designed to engage students that are not interested in climbing but can belay or provide a backup belay. Guides are trained to engage students in many ways, so they are not left out.

What if we get hot, tired and are just finished climbing for the day?




Our climbing locations are chosen to accommodate as much shade as possible during those hot summer days in the sun. We constantly monitor the health and well-being of participants and provide water and shade when needed. We are also fortunate to operate in areas where there are lakes and streams for cooling off.

Do we need previous experience?




Our rock climbing program is designed primarily for inexperienced climbers and we teach basic knots and climbing techniques as a part of each trip.

What fitness level is required?




Having some level of fitness and being injury-free is beneficial. We typically encourage participants who arrive with injuries, to engage in other ways. Students that are significantly overweight can find rock climbing to be somewhat challenging. But, our staff look for ways to include all participants at their own levels.

Our staff will equip and provide the essentials for your experience (e.g. gear, food, equipment, training, insurance) and will work with your group leader for programming and other logistical needs. In addition, our staff will provide the technical and professional skills needed to provide a safe and life-changing adventure.

Our goal is to assist you in providing a memorable experience for your group that has the opportunity to be life-transforming. Whether you are trying to create unity in your church youth group or build community in your school, group home, or youth-related organization—we are with you!

Let’s adventure together!

V Youth Dynamics Adventures Oregon

Physical: 2350 SE Territorial Rd, Canby, OR 97013

Mail: PO Box 385, Canby, OR 97013

Phone: 503.692.9070